Chapter 64 Yan Bugui - Swallows Who Did Not Return (2/2)
It meant that upon which, said person would be equipped with the foundation of cultivation.
Even with the best mantra, it was not easy to reach this stage. Moreover, if one did not unblock one's Governor Vessel and Conception Vessel before hitting middle age, it would only get increasingly difficult. The man in green, Yang Xuan, only managed to unblock his two special vessels as he was in a life or death situation.
Besides the few houses, there was only one tavern in the entire town. It was also the only available lodging in town.
That was Shen Lian's observation.
The name of the tavern was 'Yan Bugui', which meant 'swallows who did not return', but there was no couplet next to it.
The moment Shen Lian walked into the tavern, he was served by the bartender.
”Dear guest, what would you like to have?” The bartender offered in a friendly manner.
”Can I pay with this here?” Shen Lian took out a golden leaf, as gold would always be a precious metal no matter where.
”Everything would be free-of-charge for outsiders who visit during this period of time.” The bartender smiled. He was around thirty of age. He had a towel on his shoulder, and his purlicue was calloused. This was someone who could make a name for himself in Jianghu, yet he was here as a mere bartender.
”Why is that so?” Shen Lian asked patiently.
”I'm afraid that if I tell you now, you would lose your appetite.” The bartender laughed casually.
”I have always had a great appetite, carry on.”
”I guess I will tell you then. The owner said that since all of you will be dead soon, it would be really mean of us to not let you die on a full stomach,” the bartender replied cheerily.
”I see. Since I'm about to be dead soon, would you please bring over the best wine and dishes that you have?” Shen Lian smiled.
The bartender did not reply immediately. He extended his arm to pat on Shen Lian's shoulder. All of his fingers were slightly curved, it was one of the most powerful grappling techniques. The way he channeled his strength was not something that could be achieved without at least ten or twenty years of experience.
Shen Lian took a step to the side and dodged away from the bartender's grasp.
The bartender was shocked. ”I saw specks of dust on your shoulder and wanted to sweep them away for you. I did not mean any harm,” the bartender replied.
Shen Lian patted the dust off his shoulder. ”It's alright, could you please bring me some wine and dishes please?” Shen Lian replied with a smile.
Before the bartender went away to fetch him some wine, he gestured for Shen Lian to look for a table.
The tavern was not small, everyone had their own table to sit at without needing to share tables.
Most of them were well-dressed and looked different from the common folks.
These people were separated into different batches and sat at their respective tables.
Those who were sitting by themselves, like Shen Lian, were clearly alone and unaccompanied.
The groups glanced at Shen Lian occasionally and other solo travelers to size them up.
Shen Lian counted in his mind and concluded that besides himself, there were four other people who came alone. As for those who came in a group, there were five tables of them.
They were all around the same age, with three middle-aged men amidst them. The men either had protruding temples or sharp gaze. Clearly, they were all highly skilled Jianghu drifters.
According to Ye Liuyun, those who were under twenty would not have a chance at joining Qing Xuan, unless special circumstance presented itself.
Those who were around his age were probably sent by well-known families in Jianghu who knew that Qing Xuan had started their admission process or sects hidden from the world such as the Flying Celestials Island.
Those who came alone probably shared his predicament. They either stumbled upon the island, or had caught wind of news somehow.
It was still a month away from the date where Qing Xuan was scheduled to open the mountain gate. There was an unspoken competition amongst these people here.